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British Bench Press Championships 2009
This year, Ben Banks was British Barbell's sole entry into the national single lift championships. Ben was the runner-up in the 125kg class in 2008, coming second to Paul Doherty, also from the club, who is currently taking some time out following the birth of second child.
Accompanied by Ed Hawthorne, Ben travelled up to The biggest lift of the day came from Dean Bowering, the reigning the British Powerlifting Champion in the 125kg, who pressed 282.5kg in the 125kg+ class. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
Birmingham to contend for the title. With a hectic warm up room, in the
maximum capacity flight of 14 lifters, Ben was forced to reduced his
number of warm up sets. He therefore dropped his opener to 220kg to
compensate for this. With the competition underway, Ben was last out
onto the platform in the 125kg, with a lot red lights for the lifters
that went before him. Although struggling to get set-up on the Bench,
Ben made the press comfortably and move to the top of the leader board.
But with a number of the other competitors lifting within range of that
marker, Ben called for a modest increase to 230kg to secure the title.
Although again, a little unsteady lowering the bar, Ben made the second
attempt comfortably. In the final round, determined to get a personal
best, Ben raised the bar to 250kg. Unfortunately, losing his line as he
lowered the bar, he was unable to get enough drive off his chest, and
was stuck half way. But with the next best lift at 215kg, Ben secured
the title for 2009.